World Bipolar Day

World Bipolar Day brings world awareness to bipolar disorders and eliminates social stigma

World Bipolar Day (WBD) is celebrated each year on 30 March, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder. It is estimated that the global prevalence of bipolar disorder is between 1 and 2% and has been said to be as high as 5% and, according to the World Health Organization, is the 6th leading cause of disability in the world.

In order to address this global problem, we need a global solution. Through international collaboration the goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring the world information about bipolar disorders that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness.

Addressing stigma

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that represents a significant challenge to patients, healthcare workers, family members and our communities. While growing acceptance of bipolar disorder as a medical condition, like diabetes and heart disease, has taken hold in some parts of the world, unfortunately the stigma associated with the illness is a barrier to care and continues to impede early diagnosis and effective treatment. In order to address the disparity in how bipolar disorder is viewed in different parts of the world, the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD),the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) came together to work on the concept of a world bipolar day.